There is a quote says, “The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page.”
Indeed, reading offers us the pleasures of wisdom, knowledge and simply
a way for us to spend our spare time. Ubud may be known as the cultural
heart of Bali, but few people know of this little gem nestled in a
quiet area in the central Ubud. With a well-signposted path leading to
it, Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Centre is open daily from 9AM to
5PM. It is relatively easy to get there, either by car or motorbike,
unless you stay in central Ubud, which affords you the option of
walking. To avoid the crowds, it is advisable for one to arrive in the
morning when the library is just open. You can easily spend up to 2
hours without participating in any of the classes or activities, and
more so if you intend to do so.
The
library was founded in 1995 by an American expatriate who was also an
avid reader, and shocked to find the paucity of books in Bali.
Originally, the library was designed primarily as a place for expats'
children to study, and hence frequented by expats. However, the founder
mission was to raise the literacy rate of the local children by making
reading and books more accessible to them. With some support and
funding, a bilingual children’s library was eventually constructed in
2001, separate from the adults’ library.
As
its name suggests, you can read and borrow books for a fee. The two
libraries combined hold over 30,000 fiction and non-fiction books in
about ten languages including English, Indonesian and German. The books
also cater to different readers from beginners to avid readers. And you
are blessed with a conducive reading environment at the terrace upstairs
where you can enjoy views of the football field and lush greenery. Free
Wi-Fi serves to augment the experience. Children are of course, not
neglected. The children's library is made a very comfortable place with
soft pillows for the young ones to cuddle while reading. Educational
games are also available for children who need a break from reading and
wish to exercise their minds.
Of
course, as the place is also a learning centre, classes are also
conducted, and one popular one for foreigners or expatriates is the
Indonesian language class. Specifically tailored towards beginners of
the language, lessons are either conducted privately or in a group of
between 3 and 8. A private lesson for one person costs IDR 175,000 for
one lesson of 1.5 hour and the per lesson cost declines if you sign up
for more lessons. A full four-week intensive group course costs IDR
1,000,000 per person for a total of 12 lessons of 2 hours each. All
lessons are only conducted by qualified, patient and dedicated
instructors. It is, however, important to note that advanced payment is
required for the registration of these classes and no refund is offered
after payment should you cancel them.
As
a place active in promoting local cultural awareness and understanding,
many other cultural activities are also conducted there in the form of
classes. Those into music and dance will like either the Gamelan or
Balinese dance classes held for people of all ages. If you prefer arts
and crafts, you would enjoy a class of Balinese offering making,
woodcarving, Balinese painting or fruit carving. Woodcarving and fruit
carving are two forms of art unique to Bali. You will be amazed in
particular when you see how beautiful figures can be carved out of
fruits like watermelons, not to mention the opportunity to taste the
sweet fruits while you work on your pieces. Fees are reasonable at below
IDR 300,000 for a one to three-hour lesson.
Finally,
you will also be glad that by signing up for the classes, you are also
doing your part to support the centre financially in its mission to
raise literacy and cultural awareness. Besides participating in lessons
and getting to learn something new, you are also welcome to purchase or
donate books for their good cause. Other resources or funds can be
donated too. So if you have some extra time while in Ubud, consider
visiting this small place where you can spend away your time easily
while gleaning knowledge and helping to serve a good cause.
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment